The Priest and the Peaches

The Priest and the Peaches by Larry Peterson

Ebook

Historical fiction novel set in the Bronx in the mid-1960s

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, uncharted and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Ramblings: I was pretty excited to receive this book for review and to participate in the hop! I have to say this is a great read once I really got into the story. Catholicism plays a big role in this book which is new to me but it was pretty interesting.

Characters: These kids are so strong! Trying to stick together after their dad dies and plan his funeral, all while sorting debts and trying to stay a family? I really felt Teddy and it's not that I could relate to him, but I felt such sympathy for him! He had me laughing and then crying in about a 10 minute time frame! Those have real courage and they couldn't have done it without the priest, their neighbors, and God.

Plot: This book is all about hope which is something I'm really big on, (just like my participation in my youth group's 30 Hour Famine. The world's hunger is not hopeless. sorry to get off topic!) and so I loved that aspect of the novel. One of my favorite parts of the novel is such a simple concept: LYN: Love Your Neighbor. Loving your neighbor is a concept that in today's society seems so hard to grasp and if everyone would just look around and realize it isn't such a hard thing, our world would be a lot different.

Overall: This is a great read and although YA, I would definitely recommend to adults also. Seriously, don't pass this one up!

Overall Rating: 3 Stars


Now that you know a little more about the book, Larry was nice enough for an interview!

When did you first get the idea for The Priest and the Peaches?

My brothers and sister and I did lose our parents when we were quite young but I never considered writing about that or something based on that. Then, about four years ago our brother, Bobby, suddenly passed away. After the funeral we were at a pub up in Monroe, NY, and were were sitting around reminiscing. Well, more and more memories began to come forth from all of us and, before you knew it, we were laughing our heads off and having a grand old time. It was awesome. That is when the idea began to germinate. The book is a fictionalized account of those days and many of the characters and incidents can be attributed to "poetic license."

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I guess so. But it took me most of my life to actually get there. The cliche, "You gotta do what you gotta do," would fit me well. I was where I was when I was needed and always tried my best to do  what I had to do no matter the circumstances. This relegated writing to the lower echelons of what "needed" to be done. Today I am blessed to be enjoying what I like to call my "permanent senior moment" which is that of being a writer.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

I really have no desire to go anywhere in particular but if I actually had to choose it probably would be the Vatican. The history and treasure trove of artifacts there would be something to see. 

What is one item on your bucket list?

There is something and it just popped up last week. My son and I began coaching a Lttle League team of six and seven year olds. One of the boys has a form of autism. He does not pay attention , cannot throw a ball or catch one. If we can get him to actually learn how to throw and catch by April that would be quite an accomplishment. That is the one thing on my previously empty bucket list. We'll see how it goes.

Describe The Priest and the Peaches in just five words!

Loving your neighbor means forgiveness.

 

Chocolate or vanilla?

Vanilla (today is Valentine's Day so today it is chocolate---I am flexible)

Target or Walmart?

Walmart is two miles from where I live. So, Walmart equals convenience.

Ice cream or frozen yogurt?

Ice cream

 

Movies or books?

Books, although I do not read nearly as much as I would like to.

Thank you to Tribute Books for sending me The Priest and the Peaches and for allowing me to participate in this blog hop! And to Mr. Peterson, you are a wonderful writer and I'm looking forward to reading more from you! Have a wonderful day!